Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 72: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the specific programme and initiatives that exist to assist persons, who have recently been made redundant or have been put on notice, to establish their own business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2813/10]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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FÁS Employment Services provides a range of services and supports to all Jobseeker's, including Jobseeker's who have been made redundant. Clients can register at one of the 71 local FÁS Employment Service offices nationwide, for on-site career guidance and job placement services.

Various initiatives have also been but in place to assist the growing number of redundant workers and the unemployed. In 2009, FÁS more than doubled the number of openings on its training and work experience courses to over 130,000 places. This was achieved by running a range of new short courses opening up free evening courses to the unemployed and providing a range of on-line blended (internet with tutor support) courses. As part of this process start-your-own-business training has been increased to assist redundant workers who may be interested in establishing their own business.

In addition to the FÁS provision the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) can provide support to the micro-enterprise sector in the start-up and expansion phases. The criteria under which financial assistance is available is based primarily on factors such as the sector of the economy in which an enterprise is operating or intends to operate and the size, or proposed size, of the enterprise.

Any individual who wishes to seek advice on setting up their own business can contact their local CEB to discuss what assistance may be available to them.

In addition to the training and advice supports provided by FÁS and the CEBs the Department of Social and Family Affairs' Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) is aimed at encouraging people who are receiving social welfare payments to become self-employed. The Scheme provides a weekly payment for unemployed people who set up their own business. It allows these individuals to keep a portion of their social welfare payment for 2 years and is not subject to tax or Pay Related Social Insurance.

I should also mention that in addition to the aforementioned supports not for profit organizations such as First Step finance provide assistance and funding to microenterprises. Finally, I understand that a European Progress Microfinance Facility was approved by the European Parliament in December 2009 and is due to come into force in early 2010.